FEBRUARY 5, 2021
In our work with our Foundational Band of Brothers, we are just beginning by getting to know and appreciate the gifts and strengths each one of our group possesses. We ALL have certain gifts and skills. Some look like they come naturally to our group but many have honed and used their strengths daily, allowing them to grow their God given talents to bigger and better outcomes. This is always an individual choice as to whether we want to grow or maintain the status quo. We should always be looking for the BEST in ourselves (and hopefully in others) by learning to use our strengths and navigate our “Blind Spots.” Some may call these “Blind Spots” our weaknesses but I choose to look at a weakness or obstacles as a way to GROW into becoming the best version of ourselves. (Try working on the obstacles in your life) Who do YOU want to be? If interested, you may want to check out the book, “The Obstacle is the Way” by Ryan Holiday.
Sometimes we are unaware of the gifts we each possess. These gifts may be wrapped in an unassuming package. Nothing fancy. No shiny ribbons or colorful bows. Just in a plain or little box within each one of us. But what is in that box can be magical. The gift is ADAPTABILITY. “The ability to change. The ability to incrementally optimize our chosen set of skills and to aggregate and compound those tiny gains over an extended period of time such that we can make the impossible look easy. The difference between the greatest performers and everyone else? They’ve simply taken full advantage of this gift.” Brian Johnson.
Think about when you were growing up and wanted to be a great basketball player or golfer. What was it that you needed to do in order to become better at that skill? PRACTICE comes to mind. But that means you may have had to change the way you shot the ball, held the golf club, or what posture you should have to get better at what you were doing. That meant you had to CHANGE. Social skills in working with other people requires the same practice and understanding if you want to be able to influence or help others along their journey. That means you had better know yourself FIRST in order to build a strong relationship.
I see people WISHING they could change or become better at something but they become too comfortable and do not want to change. Especially old birds who think they have finally figured life out and retired by doing the same things they have done all of their lives. I hear this from many friends who think the world or others should change to meet THEM where they are. Not the other way around.
Think about small changes you want and need to make in your own life. Don’t just think about it. DO something about it. It doesn’t have to be a major change. Just set a small goal and let it work naturally into your daily routine. Over a short amount of time, you just may be surprised that you had this ability in you all along. It takes WORK so don’t be slacker. Get off the couch and make something happen. It will serve you well into the future of knowing WHO you are and WHO you are becoming.
Elevator Guy